Obsidian Canvas Creator

Transform text content into structured Obsidian Canvas files with support for MindMap and freeform layouts.

When to Use This Skill

• User requests to create a canvas, mind map, or visual diagram from text

• User wants to organize information spatially

• User mentions "Obsidian Canvas" or similar visualization tools

• Converting structured content (articles, notes, outlines) into visual format

Core Workflow

1. Analyze Content

Read and understand the input content:

• Identify main topics and hierarchical relationships

• Extract key points, facts, and supporting details

• Note any existing structure (headings, lists, sections)

2. Determine Layout Type

Ask user to choose or infer from context:

MindMap Layout:

• Radial structure from center

• Parent-child relationships

• Clear hierarchy

• Good for: brainstorming, topic exploration, hierarchical content

Freeform Layout:

• Custom positioning

• Flexible relationships

• Multiple connection types

• Good for: complex networks, non-hierarchical content, custom arrangements

3. Plan Structure

For MindMap:

• Identify central concept (root node)

• Map primary branches (main topics)

• Organize secondary branches (subtopics)

• Position leaf nodes (details)

For Freeform:

• Group related concepts

• Identify connection patterns

• Plan spatial zones

• Consider visual flow

4. Generate Canvas

Create JSON following the Canvas specification:

Node Creation:

• Assign unique 8-12 character hex IDs

• Set appropriate dimensions based on content length

• Apply consistent color schemes

• Ensure no coordinate overlaps

Edge Creation:

• Connect parent-child relationships

• Use appropriate arrow styles

• Add labels for complex relationships

• Choose line styles (straight for hierarchy, curved for cross-references)

Grouping (Optional):

• Create visual containers for related nodes

• Use subtle background colors

• Add descriptive labels

5. Apply Layout Algorithm

MindMap Layout Calculations:

Refer to references/layout-algorithms.md for detailed algorithms. Key principles:

• Center root at (0, 0)

• Distribute primary nodes radially

• Space secondary nodes based on sibling count

• Maintain minimum spacing: 320px horizontal, 200px vertical

Freeform Layout Principles:

• Start with logical groupings

• Position groups with clear separation

• Connect across groups with curved edges

• Balance visual weight across canvas

6. Validate and Output

Before outputting:

Validation Checklist:

• All nodes have unique IDs

• No coordinate overlaps (check distance > node dimensions + spacing)

• All edges reference valid node IDs

• Groups (if any) have labels

• Colors use consistent format (hex or preset numbers)

• JSON is properly escaped (Chinese quotes: 『』 for double, 「」 for single)

Output Format:

• Complete, valid JSON Canvas file

• No additional explanation text

• Directly importable into Obsidian

Node Sizing Guidelines

Text Length-Based Sizing:

• Short text (<30 chars): 220 × 100 px

• Medium text (30-60 chars): 260 × 120 px

• Long text (60-100 chars): 320 × 140 px

• Very long text (>100 chars): 320 × 180 px

Color Schemes

Preset Colors (Recommended):

• "1"

• Red (warnings, important)

• "2"

• Orange (action items)

• "3"

• Yellow (questions, notes)

• "4"

• Green (positive, completed)

• "5"

• Cyan (information, details)

• "6"

• Purple (concepts, abstract)

Custom Hex Colors: Use for brand consistency or specific themes. Always use uppercase format: "#4A90E2"

Critical Rules

Quote Handling:

• Chinese double quotes → 『』

• Chinese single quotes → 「」

• English double quotes → "

ID Generation:

• 8-12 character random hex strings

• Must be unique across all nodes and edges

Z-Index Order:

• Output groups first (bottom layer)

• Then subgroups

• Finally text/link nodes (top layer)

Spacing Requirements:

• Minimum horizontal: 320px between node centers

• Minimum vertical: 200px between node centers

• Account for node dimensions when calculating

JSON Structure:

• Top level contains only nodes and edges arrays

• No extra wrapping objects

• No comments in output

Examples

Simple MindMap Request

User: "Create a mind map about solar system planets"

Process:

• Identify center: "Solar System"

• Primary branches: Inner Planets, Outer Planets, Dwarf Planets

• Secondary nodes: Individual planets with key facts

• Apply radial layout

• Generate JSON with proper spacing

Freeform Content Request

User: "Turn this article into a canvas" + [article text]

Process:

• Extract article structure (intro, body sections, conclusion)

• Identify key concepts and relationships

• Group related sections spatially

• Connect with labeled edges

• Apply freeform layout with clear zones

Reference Documents

• Canvas Specification: references/canvas-spec.md

• Complete JSON Canvas format specification

• Layout Algorithms: references/layout-algorithms.md

• Detailed positioning algorithms for both layout types

Load these references when:

• Need specification details for edge cases

• Implementing complex layout calculations

• Troubleshooting validation errors

Tips for Quality Canvases

• Keep text concise: Each node should be scannable (<2 lines preferred)

• Use hierarchy: Group by importance and relationship

• Balance the canvas: Distribute nodes to avoid clustering

• Strategic colors: Use colors to encode meaning, not just decoration

• Meaningful connections: Only add edges that clarify relationships

• Test in Obsidian: Verify the output opens correctly

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overlapping nodes (always check distances)

• Inconsistent quote escaping (breaks JSON parsing)

• Missing group labels (causes sidebar navigation issues)

• Too much text in nodes (use file nodes for long content)

• Duplicate IDs (each must be unique)

• Unconnected nodes (unless intentional islands)